Stephanie,
I hope it is okay that I bring a view point entirely differnt to this conversation.
I took a look at your listing and I absolutely love how charming it is!
If I were you, I would not ask my guests to do anything other than enjoy the property respectfully. Of course you have to respectfully insist (not ask) that they lock your home at all times, when they leave and follow your instructions on locking and key transfer when they check out.
In my opinion, asking a guest to do anything other than that is not good business.
Why do i say this?
Because when a guest books your home, he or she is paying for the comfort of your home over a hotel or any other commercial lodging.
Charge them fairly and increase your cleaning fee. $12 is not even minimum wage - and trust me does not bring respect... especially in today's 'gimme more' kind of world..... 🙂
To be competitive, if you must DECREASE your listing fee, but INCREASE your cleaning fee.
Ensure that guest rules (you can have it posted somewhere in print is as well) say, that whilst you do not expect the apartment to be spotless, you do hope to see all furniture and furnishings intact your guest found it. And of course that includes "used linens, towels and dishes in the rooms they were used " - tongue in cheek.
If I had your apartment, I would make my cleaning fee $30 minimum.
Hope this helps 🙂
A'isha from eSutras Organics, Chicago.